Maybe Few measures in the budget will directly put money in small businesses' coffers. Big businesses will be pleased with the cut in the basic rate of corporation tax but it's important to note there's no movement in the small profits rate.

In addition, businesses are going to see no relief at the petrol pumps or with employers' national insurance contributions. And there's doubt that the Chancellor's initiatives will get affordable business finance flowing.

Maybe There is no choice but for the government to stick with fiscal Plan A and we welcome the Chancellor's commitment to reducing the deficit.

The reduction of corporation tax faster than planned is a step in the right direction. It will take time and serious action to rebuild our reputation as a place which welcomes business, and reducing corporation tax yearon-year helps that process.

The big miss is the real agenda for growth - infrastructure development.

Andy Willox Scottish policy convenor, Federation of Small Businesses David Watt director, Institute of Directors Scotland YES Liz Cameron chief executive, Scottish Chambers of Commerce The budget contained a number of positives for Scottish business, including significant additional reductions in corporation tax, tax relief on North Sea decommissioning projects, a £3bn allowance on new oil and gas developments west of Shetland and long awaited tax relief for our video games industry.

The Chancellor could have gone further by axing this month's 5.6 per cent increase in business rates, but I believe he has done a good job overall with a tight budget.

Yes Iain McMillan director, CBI Scotland At a UK level, a further cut in corporation tax and a reduction in the 50p tax rate will send a clear signal that Britain is open for business.

In Scotland, support for the oil and gas sector, enhanced capital allowances for certain enterprise areas and tax breaks for the creative industries will be most welcome.

The Chancellor's commitment to 'Plan A' is also to be commended - we cannot afford to stray from this course.

Maybe Dr Lesley Sawers chief executive, SCDI We welcome the emphasis on a competitive, export-led economy - measures to unlock oil and gas investment; tax credits for creative industries; and support for manufacturing in three Scottish enterprise zones, which has influenced investment by GSK in Irvine.

But higher air passenger duty will affect tourism and whisky was penalised.

We think the Chancellor had scope to increase capital investment and encourage businesses employing young people.

However, the impact of the introduction of a general anti-avoidance rule (GAAR) with no advance clearance system is unknown. Lack of certainty as to how business transactions may be treated may well put UK business at a disadvantage compared with other jurisdictions which have such a system alongside their GAAR.